Every business is familiar with OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 and has been on the front lines of protecting workers every year since its founding. There are a seemingly infinite number of OSHA rules, regulations, guidelines and suggestions to consider—all of them meant to promote a safe working environment.
While OSHA guidelines cover all aspects of the workplace, one of the biggest sections is OSHA guidelines for electrical safety. Not only are there different OSHA electrical safety standards for different industries, but the list of specific safeguards and practices for each industry is extensive. Safe to say, electrical problems are a key concern, no matter the workplace or job site.
It begs the question, how can Upland, CA businesses identify electrical issues in the workplace and how to diagnose them?
Follow OSHA guidelines
Why reinvent the wheel? If you really want to keep your workplace free and clear of electrical hazards, become a student of OSHA standards. The agency has taken the time to go through all types of hazards and potential issues, outlining them in a single place to raise awareness for them. Moreover, OSHA provides clear and easy-to-understand solutions for how to adhere to their guidelines.
While it might take you some time to comb through OSHA’s specific guidelines for everything, it can be worth it if you’re coming up on an OSHA inspection or getting ready for an insurance inspection. At a minimum, a high-level overview of OSHA standards is a great way to set yourself up for a safer workplace.
Post signage where possible
A simple sign can go a long way toward improving safety at your facilities. Letting someone know they’re in a high-voltage area or if there’s an arc or flash hazard is the simplest way to keep them cognizant of what they’re doing. Signage is especially important for lockout-tagout situations and areas where safeguards might not be enough to completely erase hazards.
Emphasize training
High-voltage electrical environments shouldn’t be accessible to individuals unless they’ve had adequate training to navigate them safely. Moreover, training shouldn’t be a one-and-done thing! Electrical system safety warrants ongoing safety training and even recertification on an ongoing basis. Knowledge is power!
Inspect and protect
Scheduling routine electrical system inspections is the best way to spot electrical issues in the workplace and how to diagnose them. Not only are routine inspections recommended by OSHA, but they’re also part of many building contracts and insurance policies. If any issues crop up during your inspection, it’s easy to get them fixed right away. There’s also the prospect of being able to make upgrades and install new safeguards at the recommendation of your electrician.
Stay ahead of electrical problems
Depending on the line of work you’re in and the type of facilities or worksite you operate in Upland, CA, electrical hazards can take many forms. Follow these simple tips to identify and resolve them before they bring harm to your people, halt your operations or incur a fine from OSHA.